Haywood Co. community brings holiday shopping close to home

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. — Folks in Haywood County are already getting in the holiday spirit by shopping right at home.

‘Tis the season to shop until you drop, and the ninth annual “Holiday in Haywood” shopping event brought out many local artisans, retailers and folks in the community.

“My mom and I wanted to get out of the house and do something fun, so we came out to shop,” shopper Libby Neal said.

The Brownsville Business Association sponsored the event, and organizers said they’re grateful to have vendors who support the effort each year. Paul Hansbrough of Deer Creek Farms has been a part of the event for the past five years.

“I enjoy dealing with people,” Hansbrough said. “I enjoy making people smile when we give them samples, and they enjoy eating something.”

Paul said many of his items are really popular with customers, although some you can only catch around this time of year.

Whether it’s homemade soaps or one-of-a-kind jewelry, you’re sure to find something to get you in the holiday shopping spirit.

“I have a daughter, so I’m always going straight to the little girls stuff — hair bows, they have doll clothes here. This year that are really cute,” Neal said.

Members of the BBA decorated a Christmas tree in honor of Veterans Day, and all vendors donated an item to be given away as a door prize. This is something shoppers enjoy every year.

“It brings everybody out, and we get to have a good time and do some shopping and support local vendors, so it’s great,” Neal said.

This is a free event. If you missed out Friday, don’t worry. You can shop all day from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday.